A/N: Hi Everyone! Long time, no see, right? Life update: I started nursing school, and it's no joke, so thank you for your patience with my hectic update schedule. My gratitude goes out to everyone who read, reviewed, and favorited and/or followed my story since my last update! You guys are amazing! I loved writing the last chapter and reading everyone's reviews. They made me so happy! As always, I welcome any questions, comments or critique you have for me. It improves this story and my writing for you guys! Well—enough about me. I present to you—Chapter Nineteen!

Disclaimer: If I owned anything from OUAT, I wouldn't be dying in nursing school.

This chapter is dedicated to my awesome reader, jyllshel! Thank you for your review! I am so glad you like this story. I hope you enjoy the chapter! :)

Chapter 19

The wax of the candle inches closer to the table as Arthur paces around. His steel eyes dart back and forth between the maps of Camelot. As he threatens to pull his hair out, his broken kingdom lies in ruin.

Villages continue to burn, people are scared, and the Dark One is still on the loose. Though he tries to keep the peace, his legacy crumbles before his eyes in a matter of days. If only he could find the Dark One. He could wipe the tears from the eyes of his people and end this nightmare. But the demon falls off the face of the earth. No one knows who this person is. No one can help.

Instruments and cups of wine hit the castle's stone and marble as the king hurls them in a fit of rage. He roars so loud, he doesn't hear his curious onlooker enter the room.

"I knew you were the King of Camelot, but I had no idea you were the King of tantrums."

The cool voice startles Arthur. When his rotated gaze lands on his stalker, he finds a surprising face.

"And the mute handmaiden speaks," he remarks.

"Oh please, darling," Zelena scoffs. "If they think they can keep me silent forever, Regina and the others are sadly mistaken. They should never underestimate the power of a 2,000 year old reverse potion, perks to snooping around Merlin's study."

The Wicked Witch sharpens her glare as a smirk grows on her face. As she approaches the King, he asks, "What can I do for you, my lady?"

"I prefer the title, the Wicked Witch of the West. But for you, darling, I'll let you call me, Zelena. And it's more like—what I can do for you."

The way the witch stares and speaks with her venomous voice makes Arthur's skin crawl. As a man of honor and nobility, he knows better than to indulge witches or demons. But with his kingdom and his monarchy hanging by a thread, he ignores his conscience.

"I'm listening," the king responds.

"I see you're having—trouble with the Dark One."

"Indeed, it seems our foe has disappeared without a trace."

"What if I told you I could not only tell you who the Dark One is, but where to find him?"

The king contains himself from laughing at his guest. "You? A stranger to this land? You haven't even been outside these castle walls! How could you help me?"

"Because I know more than you think," Zelena declares. "You and I both want something. Help me, and I'll save your kingdom."

"How?"

"Darling, that's not how this works," the witch smiles, wiggling her finger back and forth. "You're going to have to trust me."

"And why would I do that?"

"Because if you don't, in a few days time you won't have a kingdom left to rule. Your lands will be burned, your riches gone, and your people will be dead or dying. And I bet if you asked them what they think of their king, they'll tell you one thing: that you are nothing more than a selfish coward."

As the seconds tick by, Arthur smells the arid smoke of burning trees, fields, and villages. He hears the screams of his people blaring in his head. The increasing amount of deaths leaves the King's hands soaked in blood. It comes to the point where Arthur cannot take it anymore.

"No!" he shouts. "I am King! I will protect my people from this monster."

The King's outburst leaves the witch bawling over with laughter. "And you are doing a fabulous job at that," she sarcastically replies.

Though Arthur wants to throw her out of his fortress and never see her again, he cannot deny that Zelena is right. He runs his fingers through his hair, searching for an answer he desperately needs. Arthur stands on the edge of a cliff. He knows he should go no further. It's another deal. With Dark Ones, witches, and demons, it's always a deal. His brain begs him maintain his dignity and responsibility as a leader, but his heart gives in to the witch's offer.

"What do you want me to do?"

"Well for starters," Zelena tells him. "You should throw every one of your "guests" into the dungeon. They're all traitors and brought the Dark One here in the first place, dragging me along with them."

"What? But how—"

"They did it because they're all selfish! They consider themselves better than your pathetic little kingdom. They don't even think twice about the lives lost because of their decision."

"That's not what I need, witch," he seethes, hungry to avenge the lives destroyed by the Dark One. "I can arrest them without your help."

"I'm well aware of that," Zelena answers, inspecting her fingertips and ignoring Arthur's growing rage. "But if you want my help, you're going to do exactly as I say."

With deep sorrow, the king responds, "Go on."

"First things first, I want you to lock them all up, except for—Robin Hood."

"And what do I do with him?"

Zelena sharpens her orbs of blue as delight paints her features. "Kill him."

"Pardon me?"

"You heard me. Do whatever you please with the others, but I want him gone."

"Why?" Arthur asks, distraught at the idea of taking an innocent man's life.

"That's my business, darling. A witch doesn't share all of her secrets."

"No!" the King roars, "I cannot spill anymore blood. It's the Dark One I want."

Arthur's heart rate soars. He will not fall. He cannot become the man undeserving of pulling Excalibur from the stone.

"Think about it, your Highness. Who will you protect? A thief? Or your poor innocent people?"

"I can't do this," he proclaims. "I can't do this—no I—I won't kill him."

"Then you'll never find the Dark One," Zelena replies. "Because not one of them will give him up. Try all you like, but they'll never break."

The King of Camelot leans against his throne of oak to steady himself at the overload of information he receives. His breathing becomes labored as he contemplates what he must do.

"Think about it this way," the witch whispers. "You do this, and I'll not only give you his identity, but when you take off this cuff, I'll make you a locator spell that will lead you right to his feet. Find his dagger, stop the Dark One, and end this nightmare once and for all."

This is the edge, the tipping point. Arthur knows that with one more step, he stumbles off the edge of the knife. There is no turning back, no coming back from this. If he chooses wrong, Arthur enslaves a part of his bright and honorable soul to darkness forever. He only has one choice, one chance to get it right.

When he peers up from staring long and hard at his throne, the King of Camelot meets the witch eye to eye. The lump in his throat grows as he must choose either the innocence of an archer or the innocence of all. His tormenter looks on with thrill as her delighted grin never fades.

"So," the Wicked Witch asks him. "Do we have a deal?"

"Would you care for sugar in your tea, my lady?"

Traveling back to reality, Lily peers up from her seat at the banquet table to find a servant towering over her.

"No," she sighs, her thoughts elsewhere. "Thank you."

Twisting her thumbs, Lily's mind races as the world around her turns slowly. Any second, she fears King Arthur's guards will burst through the door with a captured Emma in their arms. Beneath her skirt, her feet shake. Platters of pastries, sausages, and breakfast delicacies rest on the table, but most of Guinevere's guests remain silent. Lily barely touches her food as only Mary Margaret banters with the Queen of Camelot.

"So you knew you would marry Arthur when you were just a little girl?"

"Oh yes," Guinevere replies. "I secretly liked him for many years. We were great friends before we became lovers."

"Well for David and I, it was a chance encounter," Snow tells her. "We formally met after he hung me in a tree."

"He trapped you?! Oh my! What a interesting way of meeting your prince."

"Yes, it was."

Taking a sip of her tea, Guinevere discerns the restlessness of her female guests as Robin and Zelena sleep in. "I apologize for the extreme precautions. Please know, my husband holds your safety with the utmost regard. As soon as it is safe, I am sure that he will open the gates."

"Are you sure there is nothing we can do to help?" Regina asks, wishing to not waste anymore time.

"Not at this moment," Guinevere replies. "I assure you, he is aware of your desire to help Camelot."

"Forgive me, your Majesty," the mayor responds. "But how is Camelot still here? I thought that when the Evil Queen casted the Dark Curse, she wiped out the entire realm."

Regina carefully hides her true identity. She knows that if someone reveals her past actions, Camelot will see the gang from Storybrooke not as friends, but enemies. If they stand any chance of stopping the Dark One, they must remain focused on their mission and keep it a secret. Though she thinks her question would puzzle the Queen, Guinevere surprises Regina with a logical answer.

"Yes, the curse did affect us. We were frozen for 28 years. However Merlin protected our land from being destroyed. He cast a protection spell over this land years ago to protect Camelot's magic."

"Magic?" Lily questions, secretly hoping to gather answers about the mysterious wizard.

"Of course," Guinevere politely responds. "Camelot is the oldest recorded realm that we know of. Magic was born here. Both the dark and the light forces originated in Camelot. Under Merlin's protection, Camelot thrives amidst the opposing forces."

"Even though he's stuck in a tree?" Lily questions.

"Yes," the Queen answers. "Even though Merlin is trapped, on rare occasions he sometimes appears to specific people in visions. He talks to them. It is how he told Arthur that he would become the King. We haven't heard from him since Arthur's coronation, but he recorded everything he learned about magic, the light and the darkness. All of his journals are kept in a study Arthur specifically made for him in this castle. It is our hope that he will one day be free to see it."

"Well, we all hope for that," Mary Margaret assures their host.

"Speaking of the study, Is it true that Emma is still inside? She has been in there since yesterday afternoon, hasn't she?"

"She's always had a—take charge kind of personality," Lily answers, trying to put the Queen's inquiry to rest.

"It's been hard for her being separated from Neal," Snow answers. "I know she worries about his safety with the Dark One being out there."

"Of course," the Queen sympathizes. "I, myself, have found comfort in reading from Merlin's journals. Both Arthur and Sir Kay enjoy reading from them as well. Let me assure you that—"

"Announcing Sir Kay of the Roundtable!"

Before Lily blinks, her knight busts through the doors, surprising Guinevere and her guests. "Kay! What a pleasant surprise. I did not expect you back until tomorrow night."

"Forgive me, your Majesty," he says, bowing in reverence. "Important business brought me back to the castle early."

"Does Arthur know?" she asks, maintaining her composure.

"He will very shortly. I came in here because I thought he might be with you, but I also need to speak with Lady Lily—in private."

"Is something wrong?" Maleficent asks, placing her hand over her daughter's. Lily's heart races.

"Everything is fine," Kay reassures her, though Lily sees through his faux smile. "Nothing to worry about. I just wanted to update Lady Lily on the details of my servant Gerda's condition. She hasn't been feeling well and Lily made me promise to check up on her when I left yesterday."

"Oh of course," Guinevere nods. "If you will take your conversation outside, I would be most grateful, as I am entertaining guests."

"Yes, your majesty," Kay acknowledges. When he reaches Lily's seat, the knight extends his arm. "My lady."

Lily's body refuses to move. She wants to stay. As long as she sits in her seat, everything is fine. The stares coming from Mary Margaret, Regina, her mother, and the Queen, make her want to sink deeper into her chair. Fighting to keep her composure and features solid, Lily swallows the lump in her throat and takes Kay's hand.

"If you will excuse us," Kay says to the Queen. When she nods, both the knight and maiden bow before exiting the room.

As soon as the doors close, Kay's pace quickens. His touch is no longer gentle, but rough as he pulls Lily along. How she wishes her feet would plant themselves firmly to the floor. She knows the floodgates are about to open. Finding an empty guest room, the knight escorts Lily inside before dismissing the guards and locking the door behind them.

"You're a good liar," Lily remarks as he closes the curtains.

"That's funny, because I was about to say the same thing to you." Reaching into his pocket, Kay pulls out Sir Ector's crest. "Do you know what this is?"

"It looks like an old medallion."

"Enough with the games, Lily!" he scolds her before calming himself. "I have two witnesses telling me my father gave this to you yesterday."

"I guess I dropped it somewhere," she replies.

Though he is bigger, Lily refuses to let the knight intimidate her. She didn't survive all those years on the run by showing weakness. Her stoic countenance challenges Kay, but her heart rate soars.

"Oh really?" Kay questions, his doubt evident. "Well then, let me tell you where I found it. I found it in the village this morning. An old, drunk farmer sold it to the barkeeper for three barrels of rum." Lily listens on in silence as the knight continues. "Now you may not be aware of our customs or traditions, but I'll make it simple. A knight's crest is one of their most treasured possessions. If given to someone, it is meant to show a bond of unwavering trust. If given a crest, you don't give it to someone else. Not even your dearest friend."

Lily's heart plummets to the pit of her stomach. She realizes that the knight knows of their secret and their lies. She watches his silver eyes narrow as she tries to salvage the knight's trust. "The farmer said that in the middle of the night, a young woman with blond hair traded the crest for his horse and supplies. So that makes me believe—Emma isn't in Merlin's study—is she?"

"I don't know what your talking about."

"Really?!" Kay spats, angered by Lily's remark. Getting into her face, he stares into her soul. "Let me tell you what I think. I think it is funny that a man, who was near the brink of death, suddenly gets up and sneaks out of a heavily guarded castle, not seen by any servants or guards. Furthermore, I think it is funny that this man disappeared without a trace, just like the Dark One."

"You come any closer and I will slap you straight across your face."

The knight flashes a devious smile. "I'm getting to you, aren't I? You and your friends didn't just come here to help Camelot. You came here because you brought the Dark One."

"That's ridiculous," Lily proclaims. "You, yourself, said that the Dark One has a hook. Neal doesn't."

"You have magic," the knight replies. "I know that glamour spells are possible. Who's to say that you didn't cast one on him?"

The air thickens as neither of them speak. Lily feels the daggers in Kay's eyes puncturing her soul.

"Neal is really Captain Hook, isn't he?" he questions. When Lily doesn't respond, the knight has his answer. "Oh you have got to be joking."

"What are you going to do?"

"Where is Emma?" Kay asks, running his fingers through his hair.

"I don't know," the maiden firmly responds.

"Lily—"

"I don't know! I swear. She left last night and planned to find him using a locator spell."

The knight backs away from Maleficent's daughter. How could she do this to him? He trusted her. His genuine feelings sparked the kiss he shared with her. He kicks himself for falling into her lies.

"Why?" Kay questions, hurt from Lily's betrayal painting his silver orbs.

"We didn't know who to trust," she confesses. "We were scared."

The knight shakes his head in disgust. Grabbing his shield, he politely bows and proceeds to leave the room.

"What are you doing?"

"Telling the King."

"No!" Lily shouts, grabbing the Kay's arm. "You can't do that."

"Let go of me! Why shouldn't I tell him? How could you keep this from me? Do you realize what the Dark One has done?"

"I know he burnt down a few villages and hurt some people—"

"Some people?!" the knight reacts. "He killed Percival!"

Lily's world stops at those words. Confusion contorts her features. "What?"

"Sir Percival is dead."

Shock pulses through her body. Her escort, her friend is now gone forever. How could this be?

"When?" she questions, her hand starting to cover her gaping mouth. It takes all of her strength to keep her knees from buckling.

"This morning. He was found in the woods with his heart torn from his chest."

"Oh my gosh," Lily mumbles, her hands covering her mouth.

"You think your captain just burnt a couple of villages? Oh Lily, you are sadly mistaken. Your friend has destroyed so much more. All of the livelihoods and innocent lives he took, that blood is on your hands for helping him."

"Kay, I'm sorry."

"Being sorry is not enough," he huffs. Turning away from her, the knight marches to the door, only to hear Lily's declaration.

"He never wanted the darkness."

Her words cause Kay to stop in his tracks. "How can you still defend him?"

"Because there is still good inside of him," she answers. "He gave himself up to the darkness to save Emma. He's just an ordinary man trying to save the woman he loves. And now—he wants to change his destiny. You know what that feels like."

"How dare you compare me to such a monster," the knight seethes through his teeth. "I cannot believe you would do such a thing to me."

In haste, he heads for the door, only to be stopped by her voice again. "Kay, wait!"

When the knight turns around in disgust, Lily tries to reach him one more time. "I know you care about me, maybe even love me. If you feel anything for me I—I am begging you, please, help me. Don't do this. Don't tell Arthur."

Lily never hears his decision because there is a knock at the door. "Sir?"

"What is it, boy?" the knight gruffly asks the servant.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but the King needs to see you in the grand hallway, immediately." Kay closes his eyes and takes a deep sigh.

Turning back to lily, he orders her. "Stay here. I'll be right back."

Before Lily says a word, the knight slams the door in her face. An uneasy feeling crushes her chest. She can't put it into words, but feels like something is about to happen. From a gut instinct, Lily knows she must act fast, but why?

With the loud roar of the door's closing echoing through the hall, the knight hurries to the grand hallway. When he turns the corner, he stumbles upon his brother, a patrol of guards, and their guests in chains.

"Arthur, what is the—"

"Quiet!" the King stops the knight. "Where is Lily?"

Stunned by the sight, Kay's voice stays silent. Just minutes before, these were friends of Lily who were happily enjoying tea with Guinevere. Now, they all are in shackles and about to face Arthur's wrath.

"Arthur, please! Don't do this," Regina pleads, before her restraints are pulled tighter.

"Now that's no way to beg for mercy from a king, Sis," Zelena says as she pats the magical cuffs on both Regina and Maleficent's arms. "If you want any chance of a pardon, you're gonna have to be more desperate."

"I think this is all just a big misunderstanding, your Majesty," Mary Margaret interjects. "We never meant to cause any trouble."

"Trouble?!" The King laughs before he seethes, "Oh you've all caused so much more than that."

"Zelena, how could you do this?" Robin exclaims.

"Oh don't worry, darling," she replies. "I'm just giving you a taste of your own medicine. Because if I remember correctly, you and Regina were the ones who decided to lock me up in the first place."

"You're not getting away with this, Zelena," Maleficent tells her.

"I already have," the witch declares with a smug smirk.

When she turns to Arthur, he nods before turning towards Robin. "Guards, take him away."

The soldiers obey their king and tear Nottingham's thief from his lover's arms.

"Wait!" Regina shouts, fighting her restraints. "Where are you taking him?"

"That is none of your concern," the monarch replies.

"Regina!" her archer cries, desperately trying to break free from his captors' grasp. When he wears out their short patience, he earns their brutal beating before a strong blow to the skull knocks him out cold.

"Robin!" Regina shrieks, tears beginning escape her eyelids at the nauseating sight. "Robin!"

She screams his name over and over again, but Robin doesn't answer. Her heart shatters as she sees the only man she ever truly loved being being beaten to a pulp. Blood drips down his forehead as everyone looks on in silence and horror. Regina's throat swells shut when she tries to tell Arthur to stop.

Through her blurred vision, she sees the monarch overseeing the beating with an expression of slight regret. Zelena, on the other hand, beams from ear to ear.

"Arthur, that's enough!" Guinevere finally barges in, no longer able to stomach the sight.

Her husband doesn't speak, but motions for the guards to end their cruel game. Before Regina says a word, the guards drag the thief's limp body around the corner away from the group.

"Now then," the King sighs, "You'll hold up your end of the bargain?"

"Oh of course!" Zelena answers. "I'm on my way to make your locator potion right now. As soon as you follow through with what we've discussed, it's yours."

Her skirt sways side to side as the Wicked Witch practically skips down the hallway. Just before Regina loses sight of her for good, her sister peeks over her shoulder and blows a mocking kiss.

"Remind me to wring her neck the next time I see her," Maleficent tells Mary Margaret.

"That won't be for a very long time," Arthur firmly responds. With the witch satisfied, the king returns his attention to his brother. "Now, Kay, where are Lady Lily and Lady Emma?"

"I thought they were at breakfast with Guinevere," the knight pathetically lies.

"Enough, Kay!" his brother barks. "I am the King! You will tell me what I want to know and you will tell me the truth! Is that clear?"

The knight feels the fiery glare of his brother searing his soul. Obediently, he answers. "Yes, your Majesty."

"Good. Now—where are Lily and Emma?"

The knight steals a glance at Lily and Emma's mothers. The desperate looks they give him make him shudder. There is no one left to stop Arthur. Though they barely know him, Kay is the only person who stands between Arthur and Zelena accomplishing their goal. He is Lily and Emma's last hope.

In this moment, he feels the weight of the world come crashing down on his shoulders. This is it. He is at the edge of the chasm of no return. Two people he cares about count on him to help them, but he must choose only one. The other he will betray and risk losing them forever. When he can no longer avoid giving an answer, the knight makes his choice.

"I don't know."

"Kay—"

"Arthur! I'm telling you the truth. I don't know. Last I heard, Emma was locked in the wizard's study. I briefly talked with Lily, but she said she had to go and get something from her bedroom before I came to see you."

Kay looks on as his brother contemplates whether or not he tells the truth. His pulse climbs as he feels beads of sweat dripping down his back. Though he appears calm, the anxiety in his chest threatens to make his heart burst.

"Guards!" Arthur orders. "Take these women to the dungeon! And search the palace. Every inch of it! I want them found." The knight thinks he is in the clear as the guards disperse and begin searching. But he finds a wrench thrown into his plans. "And check the room you found Kay in!"

The knight knows he cannot say a word, for if he does, he threatens to expose his lie. As his guests from Storybrooke are lead down to the cell block, Arthur motions for Kay to follow him. The sound of clanging armor echoes through the hallways as the King makes haste for the bedroom the soldiers found his brother in.

Kay knows this is the end. In a few seconds, Lily will be right where he left her and his cover will be blown. But when he watches Arthur throw the door open, he finds himself shocked at the discovery. His cover remains, but for only one reason.

Lily is gone.

A/N: Uh oh! Our Storybrooke gang is in trouble and Lily is missing! Where did she go? Only I really know. In the meantime, Chapter Nineteen is complete! Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. I know there wasn't any CaptainSwan this chapter, but they will be in the next chapter. As always, any comments or critiques regarding this chapter and story are welcomed and appreciated. Also, I've been thinking of adding one more specific character to this story, but I want you guys to decide who that will be. I have made a poll on my profile page with all of the choices, so go vote! You can also leave your vote in a review. I'm anxious to see your choices. Please vote soon because i'll probably introduce this character in the next chapter. Don't forget to favorite and/or follow this story if you haven't already. I can't wait for you to see what I have planned for the coming chapters. Don't miss it! I will try to update soon. Thanks for always being such awesome readers and fans.

Until next time!

C.M. Singer :)